THE SOCIAL GOLFER AUTUMN/WINTER ITINERARY... THE ART AND BEAUTY OF GOLF IN WORDS

I have now – I hope – finalised my plans for rest of year, which are:

JULY 30th…The People’s Open at Hill Valley, Whitchurch. This is my first time at this prestigious event and the first time at this course. I have no doubt the competition will be unbelievably intense.

AUGUST 4th to 7th. I hope to return to the British Par 3. This remains the highlight of my year, where stars from entertainment and sport, such as Bill Roache, Willie Thorne, Peter Shilton, Tony Jacklin and many more converge with PGA Tour stars such as Graeme Storm, Lee Slattery and us lucky amateurs in a hedonistic four days of golf around the fabulous Nailcote Hall Championship Course.

Ian at the 2008 British Par 3

Magnificent 7th hole at Nailcote

The Championship has played a focal part in my recovery from stroke: in fact it is where I met the inspiration for my book, the great old pro, Bernard Hunt. I have made numerous friendships from the event and launched my book at the 2008 British Par 3. The course, despite its 9 holes and yardage, obtained the prestigious Albatross Rating - the experience is that good! Go to http://www.britishpar3championship.co.uk/ for details about how to join this golfing extravaganza.

Ben Crenshaw, a lover of the par 3, famously said “ quite selfishly, I would enjoy seeing more short par 3 holes, for they are the way to check unbridled power and occasionally make those long hitters’ knees tremble.” This happens at Nailcote where in 2007 I saw a pro take 13 at the 150 yard signature 9th hole. I won’t name him because he his now a chum, but at Nailcote you stand on every tee feeling you are in with a chance at least equal to your pro colleagues. Until you swing of course!

In late September, I hope to join, big John again in Tenerife to play in the JR classic.

The lads in Tenerife

In October, I hopefully will be representing the Orlando Florida Tour at Hilton Head.

And then in November, I hope to organise the first Social Golfers’ Tour To Florida

I have become a Golf aficionado – anorak you might say – and my love and passion for golf now involves reading as many articles and opinions as I can, and collecting as many glorious pictures of the stunning golf holes as I am able, but a particular interest is the collection of the many superb comments, quotes and paraphrases regarding golf which I bring into my business life. Every day I end each email with a Today’s Thought and this is usually a comment or opinion I have read and then believe particularly pertinent to the way I feel that day. The following are some of my phrases and their relevance to me.

My two favourites, which following my illness is the way I now try to look to life. This week tragically I learned that a business colleague had lost a young child just short of his first birthday. The poignancy of these comments is particularly relevant now as I wonder about God’s grand design.

“As you walk down the fairway of life, you must smell the roses; you only get to
play one round.” BEN HOGAN

“Health not wealth should be man’s primary concern”

I believe that golf can bring out the best and worst in person. I have met some truly wonderful people on my travels and had I not had my stroke, without doubt this would not have been possible.

“Golf enables us to advance in the great business of being a human being” CHARLES MACDONALD.

“GOLF reflects the cycle of life. No matter what you shoot…The next day you have
to go back to the first tee and begin all over again and make yourself into something” PETER JACOBSON

“In golf character is laid bare to character. This is why so many friendships and some enmities are formed on the links. A.HAULTAIN

Golf requires an individual to use virtues which, perhaps as in my case, are particularly alien in the normal daily routine - in particular, patience, the ability to acknowledge failure, honesty, integrity and humour...

“Golf is the infallible test...The man who can go into a patch of rough alone, with the knowledge that only God is watching him, and play his ball where it lies is the man who will serve you faithfully” and
“The only way of finding out a man’s true character is to play golf with him. In no other walk of life does the cloven hoof so quickly display itself.” P G WODEHOUSE

“18 holes of match play will tell you more about your foe than 19 years of business dealings.” G RICE

“The struggle of the game, that’s a big part of my life, a big part of the fun of my life, ARNOLD PALMER.

“Golf without mistakes is like a dinner without wine” JIM MURRAY

“One minute you’re bleeding, the next minute you’re haemorrhaging, the next minute you’re painting the Mona Lisa.” MAC OGRADY

“Playing the game, I have learned the meaning of humility. It has given me a better understanding of futility of the human effort.” ABBA EBAN

ADAGES I often use in business dealings…

“It’s all a matter of getting out of bad situations with the least amount of damage.” RICK RHODEN

“Winners listen to people. They are always trying to learn. They respect other people’s opinions. Losers just want to talk. DOUG SANDERS

“There is no such luck as bad luck. Fate has nothing to do with success or failure, because that is a negative philosophy that indicates one’s confidence, and I’ll have no part in it. GREG NORMAN

“Golf puts a man’s character on the anvil and his richest qualities, patience, poise, restraint…to the flame” BILLY CASPER

“If you wish to hide your character, don’t play golf” PERCY BOOMER

I have had the opportunity, following my illness, to play with many professionals and I remain in awe of their talent when compared with my golf which could be described as:

“An endless series of tragedies obscured by the occasional miracle.”

Or as Bing Crosby put it “my Golf is woeful but I will never surrender.”

But golf despite my limitations in playing it gives a perverse pleasure in failure and unrivalled expectations of anticipated success.

“Obviously, yet mysteriously, golf, furnishes it’s devotees (me) with an intense, many-sided, and abiding pleasure unlike which any other recreation affords” HERBERT WIND

I cannot explain the feeling when a masterful shot comes off. Every shot I play, I imagine a great result but inevitably because of my talent mediocrity results.

“The occasional great stroke of the poor golfer remains a joy forever”

The Great Bobby Jones probably had a round of mine in thought when he is attributed with saying

“on the golf course, he may be the dogged victim of inexorable fate, struck down by an appalling stroke of tragedy become he hero of unbelievable melodrama, or the clown in a side-splitting comedy.”

“Don Quixote would understand Golf. It is the impossible dream.” JIM MURRAY

“Golf is a simple game, made difficult by man.” TOM HALIBURTON

“Golf beats us all, and that is the chief reason we shall never cease loving her.” ROBERT HUNTER

“Golf is the pursuit of the infinite. JIM MURRAY

“It is one of golf’s greatest ironies and merits that the poorer player derives more pleasure from the pastime than the experienced practitioner.”

“Golf is so popular simply because it is the best game in the world at which to be bad.” AA MILNE

My golfing desires now resolve more around the beauty of the golfing environment rather than the thrill of competition. No other sport reconciles the natural beauty of its surroundings with the importance of the natural elements. I adore looking at stunning holes, and playing them well becomes a bonus. I often now play on my own and stop for many minutes on a hole, listening to the wildlife, watching the surf, simply taking in the whole surroundings.

What can be better than this stunning par 5 fifth at New South Wales golf club?

“A golfer traverses broad acres of the green earth rejoicing in the fact he sees the end from their beginning. He has escaped from macadam and asphalt and the madding crowd.” R S WEIR

“I love the fairways with such lovely turf that can put a little spring in the most leaden and depressed foot.” BERNARD DARWIN

“Golf brings us consolation as we walk its open spaces and it offers us a subtle balance of companionship and solitude.” L RUBINSTEIN

“Golf… satisfies the spirit. You are out in the grass and the trees. You are out there
with nature. You’re not really competing with each other, your competing against yourself, the course and the elements.”

“Golf is a game which the player’s true opponent is the golf course. That is why the game can be enjoyed in solitude or with other golfers of every calibre and age. REES JONES

Any pictures, views, opinions, comments will be gratefully received...

THE 2009 FLORIDA PEN FOR GOLFERS WITH DISABILITIES AND/OR MOBILITY CHALLENGES

Last year I was most fortunate to play in the 2008 event at the magnificent Kissimmee Bay Country Club. This event features golfers from all over the USA with a variety of handicaps that have amazingly not stopped them participating in – and more importantly – enjoying golf. They epitomise all I try to ensure the Social Golfer promotes: total enjoyment and social interaction through golf.

Mike and Renee

I was fortunate to be in the four ball with both winners: Mike Hudson, a low handicapper with just one arm, and Renee Russo a sprightly OAP with an a prosthetic leg following an amputation when a young lady in her 20s. I met many golfers with significant physical handicaps; double amputees mixing with fellow stroke victims, and heart attack patients. The event encompasses all that is good about golf and is the perfect remedy when I occasionally still feel sorry for myself.

Getting encouragement on the way round

So, it was with great pleasure and anticipation that I returned on Saturday for this year’s competition. Last year the event had over 40 participants, sadly this years was less well supported, partly I think because of the oppressive heat wave we are currently enjoying. I guess even for these most-keen of golfers, 18-holes in 100 degree temperatures and intense humidity is not pleasurable. Still, the course was in pristine condition and all set for a magnificent day’s golf. I was in a three ball with Tom, a retired American History teacher from The Villages, North Florida. Naturally I asked him what history! Tom had sadly lost his leg over 40 years earlier in a freak accident in 8th grade playing gridiron. A lifetime without a limb. Still it ensured I did not moan about my stiff left leg.

The true spirit of golf and how to overcome difficulties

Tom was very keen and competitive and an enjoyable companion during the round: he pushed me to deliver all the way. Our third member was a young man called Brew, who had been involved in an automobile accident 19 years-ago. He was still being treated and had obviously been in quite a bad way and only recently taken up golf to supplement his ongoing recovery. He played the entire round and each shot with an enthusiasm I found spiritually fulfilling, I became his unofficial caddy, reading putts, recommending clubs and generally encouraging this remarkable young man.

It has been said life and a round of golf can be compared to an amusement park: each hole and each day different but there to be enjoyed. Brew clearly had more than his share of ups and downs, and difficult times, but I have rarely completed a round feeling quite as content as I did this one and that was before the score. Brew now knows many English golfing terms including: hit it hard... find it...hit it hard again…whack it...cracker…give it a welly...

Because I was so relaxed and the course set up particularly leniently in view of the difficulties some players would have (and bear in mind all the events I had played were off championship tees) suddenly playing off the front tees made the course so much easier. I shot 40 out and with the aid of two chip ins on the back nine level par 35 for 75 to finish the winner by 6 shots. The main source of my success was the support given by both my partners and organiser Joe Styne who all constantly encouraged me during the round as they realised I was in contention.

I gave a gift of my book to all competitors and had a book signing after the cup presentation. The book was well received by all. Whilst unbelievably proud to become the 4th winner and first overseas champion, I will take from this day far more than a golfing success. My sincerest hope is that on the day I encouraged Brew to continue his golfing journey. I hope to keep in touch and anticipate the pleasure he will have if and when he breaks one hundred.

TOO HOT TO GOLF

When it's too hot to golf or shop in Naples there's only one place to go!

Last week , Matron and I took several days off to head south down the gulf coast to Naples, self styled and named golf capital of the world. A bit pretentious perhaps but who am I to pass comment, the best damned social golfer on the planet? We stayed in the magnificent boutique hotel the Escalante, superbly located on 5th south and third in Old Naples, simply the best location in town. Like Miami it was too hot to golf, never less than 102 during the day. No wonder it was quiet, the holiday seasons runs from November to Easter, then it becomes a ghost town but it is a truly, quaint, beautiful city, sensational beaches, great shopping and quite outstanding restaurants.

The golf would have been sensational and so cheap…. PGA recognised courses for less than 20 bucks inc compulsory buggy. Prices do significantly rise during November to March I am reliably told. On the way back we visit Venice, I ask you Venice and Naples in a week and never left Florida! Venice is smaller than Naples but has the same charm, I have also played golf here and can wholeheartedly recommend the Lake Venice Public Course. Not for the squeamish who are afraid of alligators, like you Mr Roberts. John avoided all water like the plague on this trip after seeing two alligators in his first round at Providence. On the news the other day, a local was explaining why so many alligators are on the move – they are all on the tap, it’s the mating season. That’s why they were eyeing John up either that or they were hungry, back to Lake Venice, the sign says it all, another Callaway bites the dust.

Would you play from this hazard? Don't think so it's breeding time for the locals. The alligators are on the move!

Final Observation: In the scrambles I have played over here to raise money you can buy Mulligans and that got me thinking…The Scots invented the game and gave us these silly rules like playing the ball in a divot, whilst the Irish gave us the Mulligan. I guess that fully explains the difference in the races.

PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT, THE US MARINES AND REDEMPTION AT METRO WEST

The next week, I gave Matron, some paint, tiling grout and some new brushes and left her happy and content and hit the course with a vengeance. Initially, I played the Highlands Reserve, where I was partnered by a father and son duo from the UK in a very pleasant early morning round at one of south Orlando’s very good value courses, 30 bucks including a cart.

My good friend John Roberts was over with wife Nicky and son Leo and we played three very competitive rounds at Ridgewood, Providence and Mystic Dunes. I won the first 6 and 5, battered by him in the second 7 and 6 and lost a thriller 2 and 1 at the Dunes to give him the honours. John plays off less than me so without a start I was pleased with my performance but needs outweighing to the fact he was using my old clubs. He played a significant part in putting my game back, when he identified that the ball was well forward in my stance. Visit to Deer Creek a small executive course soon corrected this.

Whilst John was here I had arranged for us to play in a Charity Event organised by the Florida Chapter of the US marines and what a fantastic day we had. Before the shotgun start, we stood proud with our American cousins at the parading of colours and the singing of the national anthem. The Star Spangled Banner is a barnstorming tune prior to a sporting event, trust me. We played with two fine gentlemen, Fred and Don and what great company they were. My golf was not good, John was better, Fred started well and Don regularly chipped in with a useful shot, once again truth to be told, like Bay Hill, I was probably the weakest link.

We scored 65, seven off a place and never good enough for a place, but the event no doubt raised significant sums for injured and retired servicemen and both John and I had a day to remember, culminating for me with the receipt of a signed Fuzzy Zoellor Driver given to me by John who had won it in an Auction. Thanks BigMan! More importantly once again it was a pleasure to play and meet with such good guys as Fred and Don, hopefully we shall have opportunity to get together again – Fred has invited me to a Toys for Tots competition in his home town. A Toys for Tots double I won the Xmas one at Mystic Dunes, now that would be something to write about.

Young lonnie left us all trailing at Metro West - my partner in the last event, the two man scramble at Championsgate

The next day I was back on tour at Metro West, playing with Hud Hudson who had pushed me into third on my season debut at Duran, Lonnie Laoretti the big hitting youngster who pushed me all the way in the major at Southern Dunes and tour regular Dana Turgeon. In a disappointingly small field at a past tour course, which apart from the Greens that were turgid having been recently irrigated, Lonnie simply blew us all away on the front nine, culminating in a splendid drive at the appropriately called Daly challenge a 280 yard carry to the green which he simply nailed. Hud surprised us all and followed suit, ruining it by then hitting his approach into the water. Dana and I chickened out.

Preparing to take the John Daly challenge over the 9th at metro

At the turn the heavens opened and play was stopped as a mega thunderstorm came in. I find it amusing that although we all know lightning is the killer, most people find the actual bolt a thing of beauty and exhilarating then jump with fear at the following clap of thunder. This was some storm but it allowed me to assess my position in the competition, I was four adrift of Lonnie but only one behind joint second place held by James Rearden and Todd Morgan.

Bad weather stops play and play-time starts!

After the break with the course extremely wet, I played a very competitive back nine, never missed a fairway and putted a little better. At the close I was 6 adrift of worthy and deserved winner Lonnie but 4 clear in second place for more significant points and a $100 fee taking my winnings to over $500 for the trip. I enjoyed Metro despite missing four putts of less than 5 feet which could have put me much closer to Lonnie. More significant is the extremely strong likelihood I may have now accrued enough points to be chosen to play in the national finals in October. If I can get out of blooming jury service… Watch this space!

I have now finished my rankings events, I may return for the second and final major in August, work permitting. But after 5 events my record reads: a victory in the major, two seconds an a third in tour events, just one unplaced. I stand third in the rankings with one of the better scoring averages. It could hardly have gone much better, I hope I can get back for the Nationals.

I have one event left on tour, the Tom Mirus Pairs scramble when there are no ranking points at stake. I am paired with Lonnie and it is at my local course at Championsgate, all set for a big finish. Before then I am once again playing in the Florida Open for Disabled Golfers at the splendid Kissimmee Bay Country Club. I played in this last year and it as one of the highlights of my golf travels. I played with Mike who had one arm and Renee one leg, yet their love for the game as well as ability to play it well was unbelievable. I look forward to meeting them and fellow golfers who range from amputees and paraplegics, to heart and stroke attack victims who play the game as the elders intended, I am proud to be part of this event.

MIAMI, PARTYING AND THE SUBSEQUENT FAILURE AT VICTORIA HILLS

As any professional sportsmen will tell you, celebrating after a major success – whilst logical, human and certainly enjoyable – will inevitably have a consequential action to your following performance.

Hark at me. I won a D-flight competition and I am comparing myself with Angel Cabrera, still I did win the most significant and lucrative event I could on tour so celebrate I will. It also helps that it was Matron’s birthday so off to Miami we go, South Beach you all, swimming pools and movie stars and us...

We went on Memorial Day a national holiday here in the USA which had little significance to me. For us Brits, imagine Remembrance Day; imagine it in July when everyone instead of parading and wearing poppies celebrates in a party atmosphere their loved ones lost in conflict. South Beach was packed and one of the most haunting images I have seen was thousands of cardboard headstones on the boardwalk gardens in memory of lost servicemen. The significance to me was the general age of the deceased service men, the vast majority under 25, my son’s age.

Memorial day in Miami... A haunting field which shows headstones for the dead - it brought home the true cost of peace

Whatever your political beliefs, the rights and wrongs of particular conflicts, I defy anyone on seeing this spectacle not to feel humbled, sad and touched by the simple serenity and poignancy of the scene. It will long live in my memory. On a visit to New York in 04 I was similarly moved by thousands of yellow ribbons representing the victims of 9/11 simply tied to church railings in Manhattan.

Miami Beach was as I expected, chic, classy, expensive and full of beautiful people. All day long, and long into the night, the bars were full of bikini clad lovelies of all shapes, sizes, ethnicity and ages (the dark glasses were a must to hide the stares that could not be avoided when looking at such a bevy of beauties!) Flesh City it was for all three days of the visit (There are plenty of six packs on display to similarly enthral Matron.)

Partying at Miami.... No wonder the wheels came off at Victoria Hills

We partied long and well, enjoyed some excellent food and wine in Lincoln Street, a must-walk if in South Beach. A ½ mile walk-only street with numerous top quality restaurants, bars and shops. A wonderful place to while away the evening people-watching. The beach is as you will have seen on the TV, brilliant white punctuated by glowing tanned Amazonian bodies. Despite my new trim look, who am I kidding, the beach despite its attractions was not a place I felt comfy on… Too old and out of shape sadly!

We had a memorable time; golf despite being just a few miles from some of the most notable courses on the planet never entered my head. It was far too hot (nearly 100 every day). But Doral and Palm Beach will definitely be played on my next visit as we definitely will return.

After a week of this, I had not swung a club in anger and went up to Victoria Hills to play in the next event totally under-prepared. This is a course I particularly rate, I had played it last year in my debut on tour so I at least had the advantage of course knowledge, indeed I started imperiously, level par after 5 and well clear of my playing partners, Dana and once again Randy, the par 5s at six and nine took significant toll with an 8 and a 7.

In truth I never recovered but had little luck typified at the 17th, when my best drive on the back nine by a country mile finished in a divot, what a stupid rule it is to play it from there, my approach finished wide left in a larger divot, I chipped into an unraked bunker, before holing a monster for a double bogey. For the first time on tour I finished out of the top three and I was not well pleased with my performance. I had practiced regularly leading up to every event on tour except this one and the affect on my game was blindingly obvious. Do I regret it, missing out on Miami? Never. Sometimes golf can wait. Miami was memorable and magnificent, my golf at the Hills easily forgettable and redeemable.

South Beach Miami - chic avant garde, art deco, you'd be hard pressed to beat it!

CHAMPIONI… MEMORIES OF FALDO AS THE SOCIAL GOLFER CLINCHES HIS FIRST TITLE ON TOUR

This weekend saw the Tour move South to the much vaunted Southern Dunes Resort for its most prestigious Two Day Event. I had once again practiced in earnest, two sub 80 rounds at Championsgate - albeit of the front tees not the championship ones - had, I felt, put my game into the best shape since I arrived.

Southern Dunes is highly rated here in Florida, a purpose built conurbation which has many rental homes frequently visited by UK visitors. Indeed, five years ago Matron and I had looked at properties here but as it is a further 10 miles from Disney and (more importantly) at that time there was a premium on most properties of about $100,000 as views of the course came at a price, we decided on the cheaper (and in our opinion better located) Bridgewater development were we currently live.

I had never played the course although I was acutely aware of its merits and the inherent difficulties it possesses. It has over 220 bunkers, is more akin to a Scottish Links than any other course in the Area, and its Greens are notorious for their difficulty and unpredictability. Truly a fine test for the tour's principal event. My four ball featured last year's one day event winner Randy Stephens and Flight Leader Wayne Weaver, three events, three victories and big hitting Nathan Gonzales.

Nathan, Wayne and Randy

The First Hole at Southern Dunes Resort

The Saturday round was very peculiar, Wayne and myself quite probably played better tee to green than Randy but his knowledge of the course was better and he also had better management around the greens and much more secure putting. I three putted 7 times as did Wayne... Saw him post 90 six shots better than I and amazingly ten better than Wayne. Nathan stuggled on the greens so much he 4 putted at least 5 times. It was still somewhat of a surprise that at the end of the day I was indeed second to Randy two shots clear of third and 4 clear of the menacing Wayne who I knew would come back strong on Sunday.

I teed of on Sunday with Randy and third-placed youngster Lonnie Laoretti… an impressive striker of the ball whose father is a scratch golfer who had won the US Seniors Open in 1982 and currently owns The Great Outdoor Golf Course out near Cape Canaveral where the shuttle is launched. In view of this I had a mindset of protecting second as opposed to contemplating winning the event. I made a major decision and went back to my old putter in a desperate attempt to solve this woeful aspect of yesterday's round. Lonnie came out all guns blazing - such a powerful hitter he had birdie opportunities on all the first 4 opening holes and failed to take any. Randy and I scrambled manfully and by the 8th, the scoreboard read the same as at the start. At the turn, I had narrowed Randy's lead to 5 after a lengthy par saving putt at the 9th…

7th Hole at Southern Dunes Resort

I led Lonnie by one and he was fast moving up, Wayne was still three adrift of me. I was playing steadily, driving well and had not three putted at all so as we approached the tenth, second place was still on my mind. I managed a sand save on ten which cut Randy's lead to four and opened up a two stroke lead over Lonnie.

In my opinion the whole course of the contest changed on the 12th, a dog leg par 5 of 540 yards. I had out drove my partners splitting the fairway and they had both pulled theirs left some twenty yards behind me facing a blind shot over the water to the dog leg green some 250 yards away. The safe pay for both was a lay up, chip and two putts - an easy 5, I could have a go so advantage to me. Quite simply however, Lonnie played the finest shot I have seen on this trip to about 8 feet from the pin for an eagle opportunity. This seemed to get into the head of Randy who for some unknown reason took on the dog leg and left it short in the hazard, he then hit his approach into the bunker and turned in a gut wrenching 8. I made a very important decision to play conservatively and laid up, chipped and posted a safe par. Thankfully, Lonnie missed his eagle putt but tapped in for a birdie.

As we approached the 13th Randy's lead was now one over me and two over Lonnie. On the 14th tee, a cagey small par 3 of 130 yards surrounded by 12 pot bunkers, it was game on as Randy (following a great par save at 13) was two ahead of both of us. Two holes later I would have the tournament in the bag. Both guys put their tee shots into the bunker probably both under-clubbing. I took an extra club aimed long and hit a majestic shot. I had an easy par, they both took 5 and suddenly I was joint leader. On the 15th after a safe tee shot I hit a 6 iron to eight feet, rapped in the birdie opportunity, both guys took another double bogey after three putting and suddenly I was three up on Randi and four up on Lonnie with three to play.

On 16 I stretched my lead over Randy to four and realised a bogey bogey finish would be sufficient. On 17 Lonnie lost his ball and with it any chance of second place, Randy finished par, par to keep second place from Wayne who had already posted an 88 in the clubhouse. I was pleased for Randy because I believe he deserved a place. He probably never saw me as a threat as I think he felt Lonnie would make a charge and I somewhat sneaked in under the radar. I also hit the front at the right time, with so few holes left that they could not respond. It says something for his character that he finished as well as he did, when he was obviously suffering with his back nine performance. So like Faldo did to Norman in the 96 Masters I had overturned a 6 stroke deficit to clinch the title and the $300 dollar first prize.

A great day concluded with the news that in game 7 of the series Magic defeated, nay thrashed the holders Boston in the NBA playoff to move into the semi finals.

The tour now moves North to Victoria Hills, were I made my debut last year. Very poorly I may add but after a 3, 2, and 1…. Wheres Dust Bin!... The only way is down… But I remain confident of further success if I can maintain this form.

We are going to Miami this weekend for Matron's birthday and she has told me to put my clubs in just in case. The Blue Monster at Doral beckons I think!

On Saturday 18th April, I made my 2009 debut on the Edwin Watts Amateur in Florida, at one of the newest Floridian courses - Duran Golf Club out on the Space Coast, South of Cocoa Beach. The Tour is a mixed ability event split into different flights and at the moment in football terms I am in the old 4th Division, not sure in the new set up what number this now is, but you can say with conviction I am a Shrewsbury or Darlington at the moment on this tour. But, like my home town football club Wigan Athletic, I have aspirations and total belief that over the next few years I will reach the top flight.

FAILURE does not concern me, not reaching my potential will!

As I had not played for several months following another superb winter back home, I visited my local club here in Orlando on the Thursday before the event - the magnificent Championsgate National Course. Playing with three of our American cousins, I gave them one hell of a beating for Nick and the Boys. Indeed I was at one stage set to break 80 but finished 86 for Gross 84 Net 67… I played as well as I had done for some while, collected 40 bucks and was in fine mood for Saturday.

The Par 3 15th at Championsgate National over a swamp at 170 yards to an island green, from which the approach has to avoid three massive trees protecting the front. I hit a 4 iron left edge and two putt for a 3 which anyone would take at this hole.

The Duran Course is a new highly-rated addition to the Floridian Golf Experience, the clubhouse oozes opulence and class. The course has very much a links feel except it has the usual plethora of Floridian ponds and lakes to supplement the difficulty the constant wind causes as well.

I was paired with father and son, Nat and Lathan Hudson… Son Nat went on to win the flight with (in the conditions) a very impressive 90. Lathan for the music buffs is a Nashville songwriter and Grammy nominated too, who has had songs covered by Tammy Wynette and Elvis Costello to name but two, so I can say the round was fruitful for anecdotes and conversations in respect of his full and bountiful career. In truth my 3rd Place Gross 95 net 78 plus 6 and 3rd place in my flight, would have earned a top 5 place in the next flight up which did please me. I really lost it in the first two holes with a 7 7 start...

We started at the tenth and I drove left into a wasteland like the sahara, followed a trememdous 3 off the tee to the centre of the fairway, approach into the lake , a pitch to 6 inches from the drop zone for a tap in 7. Crap then class in alternating shots that was to be a constant theme on the day, no consistency... On the 11th my 2nd I had my first tribulations in the bunkers. The sand is so much different from the UK and I simply exploded all my shots miles past the flag all day, I had a touch like a baby elephant.

After that I drove immaculately hitting 10 out of 12 fairways and averaged 248 yards, however my iron play was not up to scratch and I wasted numerous opportunities. I putted well and really could have been up with Nat had I started well and course managed a touch better. We were hampered all day by slow play which affected old Lathan more than me and Nat... it really is the bane of golf these days.

Still I had a great day and would rate the course an Eagle, it was an enjoyable round, pleasurable if not exhilarating, and I would certainly return to play socially. I now begin my build up to the next event on 2nd May at Stoneybrook West then the highlight of my trip the Charity Event at Arnie Palmers Bay Hill on 4th May.

Lathan and Nat Hudson

Drive at the Tenth our first, my ball's in all that crap!

The 18th a stereotypical last in Florida - all water left, bite off as much as you can chew. I chicken out and cut very little off. 5 wood, wedge and two putts for a boring par 5.

The par 3 165 yard 12th. I hit a 5 iron left chip on and hole a 30 footer for a par to get my round back on an even keel. Wheels soon come off again though!